U.S. patent application number 11/236228 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-29 for portable oxygen generating system and method of using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to TreatYou Medical Technology Co.. Invention is credited to Jui-Chi Wang, Shiow-Chen Wang, Wen-Feng Yang.
Application Number | 20070068521 11/236228 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37892371 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070068521 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Jui-Chi ; et
al. |
March 29, 2007 |
Portable oxygen generating system and method of using the same
Abstract
A portable oxygen generating system comprises a reaction chamber
having at least a first storage compartment for containing a first
reacting substance and a second storage compartment for containing
a second reacting substance, a dispensing mechanism operable to
cause the first and second reacting substances to contact with each
other so as to create a chemical reaction to produce an oxygen gas,
and a gas outlet for delivering the produced oxygen gas. To use the
system, the user pushes on a switch to initiate the production of
oxygen.
Inventors: |
Wang; Jui-Chi; (Taipei,
TW) ; Yang; Wen-Feng; (Hsinchu, TW) ; Wang;
Shiow-Chen; (Taipei, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & MCKENZIE LLP;PATENT DEPARTMENT
2001 ROSS AVENUE
SUITE 2300
DALLAS
TX
75201
US
|
Assignee: |
TreatYou Medical Technology
Co.,
|
Family ID: |
37892371 |
Appl. No.: |
11/236228 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/202.26 ;
128/200.24; 422/236; 422/305 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62B 7/08 20130101; A62B
21/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/202.26 ;
422/305; 422/236; 128/200.24 |
International
Class: |
B01J 7/00 20060101
B01J007/00; A62B 7/08 20060101 A62B007/08; A61L 9/00 20060101
A61L009/00 |
Claims
1. A portable oxygen generating system, comprising: a reaction
chamber, including at least a first storage compartment for
containing a first reacting substance and a second storage
compartment for containing a second reacting substance; a
dispensing mechanism operable to cause the first and second
reacting substances to contact with each other so as to create a
chemical reaction to produce an oxygen gas; and a gas outlet for
delivering the oxygen gas.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing
mechanism includes a movable element operable to break an area of
one of the first or second storage compartment.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the movable element is
actuated via a spring element.
4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the movable element
includes a rotary rod with a cutting tip.
5. The system according to claim 2, wherein the movable element
includes a sliding punch end.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing
mechanism comprises a movable plate operable to open one of the
first or second storage compartment.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the movable plate is
actuated via a spring element.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing
mechanism is connected to a switch button and is configured to
actuate upon the application of a force on the switch button to
release the second reacting substance from the second storage
compartment.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second storage
compartment includes a plurality of isolated partitions
respectively containing doses of the second reacting substance.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the dispensing
mechanism is configured to sequentially open the partitions.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the dispensing
mechanism includes a timer configured to timely control the opening
of the partitions.
12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a filter
system configured to filter an oxygen gas produced in the reaction
chamber.
13. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a buffer
bag connected to the gas outlet; and a respiratory mask connected
to the buffer bag.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the buffer bag
includes: a first buffer chamber connected with the gas outlet; a
second buffer chamber connected with the respiratory mask; and a
separator wall including at least an opening through which the
first buffer chamber communicates with the second buffer
chamber.
15. The system according to claim 13, wherein the buffer bag is
connected to a carrying strap.
16. The system according to claim 13, wherein the buffer bag is
configured to accommodate the reaction chamber therein.
17. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the first or
second reacting substance includes water.
18. The system according to claim 1, wherein one of the first or
second storage compartment is repairable or replaceable.
19. A method of using a portable oxygen generating system,
comprising: providing an oxygen generating system having a switch;
and switching on the oxygen generating system to trigger a chemical
reaction to produce an oxygen gas.
20. The method according to claim 19, further including breathing
the oxygen gas via a respiratory mask connected to a buffer
bag.
21. The method according to claim 19, wherein switching on the
oxygen generating system to trigger a chemical reaction to produce
an oxygen gas includes pushing on a switch button provided on the
oxygen generating system.
22. A storage compartment for containing a reacting substance for
use in a portable oxygen generating system, the system comprising a
reaction chamber including the storage compartment, a dispensing
mechanism operable to cause the reacting substance to react and
produce an oxygen gas, and a gas outlet for delivering the oxygen
gas, the storage compartment comprising a repairable or replaceable
cartridge for reuse of the portable oxygen generating system.
23. A method of portably providing oxygen, comprising: providing a
reaction chamber, including at least a first storage compartment
for containing a first reacting substance and a second storage
compartment for containing a second reacting substance; providing a
dispensing mechanism operable to cause the first and second
reacting substances to contact with each other so as to create a
chemical reaction to produce an oxygen gas; and providing a gas
outlet for delivering the oxygen gas.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the construction of a
portable oxygen generating system and a method of using the
same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] A portable oxygen supply system may save lives in hostile
environments, such as a building on fire, where the ambient air may
contain contaminates or noxious substances harmful to a human
respiratory system. In these situations of emergency where the
ambient air is not breathable, the use of a portable oxygen supply
can prevent suffocation while waiting for medical rescues. In other
therapeutic or medical applications, the oxygen supply system may
also be used as an auxiliary oxygen source that assists the user's
lungs to get enough amounts of oxygen to the blood.
[0003] A conventional oxygen supply system is an oxygen tank or
cylinder that stores oxygen under pressure. To get access to the
oxygen contained in the tank, the user opens a valve connected to a
gas outlet of the oxygen tank, and the oxygen then can be breathed
through a respiratory mask connected to the oxygen tank. A
disadvantage of the oxygen tank is that since it stores oxygen
under pressure, the tank may become hazardous if it is
inadvertently dropped. Further, the content of the tank evaporates,
which requires regular inspection and refill operations from a
service technician.
[0004] An oxygen generating system is another type of oxygen supply
system known in the art, which is usually constructed from a bottle
enclosing a reaction chamber in which reacting substances are put
in contact with each other to chemically react and produce oxygen.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,700 to Hoshiko, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference, describes a method of producing
oxygen by putting a solid substance containing peroxide chemicals
in contact with water. The peroxide substance is usually in a
powder form contained in a packet. To produce oxygen, a user opens
the packet, drops it with the peroxide powder substance in the
reaction chamber previously filled with water, and then
hermetically closes the bottle. The chemical reaction for producing
oxygen then takes place inside the reaction chamber, and the
produced oxygen passes through a filter system before it is
delivered through a respiratory mask for a human's breathing. One
disadvantage of such a system implementation is that it requires
many manual operations from the user, which may not always be
appropriately followed in every emergency situation. Further, the
reaction occurs with an irregular oxygen flow rate.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,069 to Davis, the disclosure of which is
also incorporated herein by reference, describes another oxygen
generating system. In this system implementation, a sodium
perborate anhydrous is initially placed in a chemical container of
the oxygen generating system. To use the system, a user fills a
second container placed over the chemical container with water, and
then places a respiratory mask over the nose and mouth to breath
oxygen. The water contained in the second container progressively
flows down into the chemical container to react with the sodium
perborate anhydrous and produce oxygen. One disadvantage of this
system is that the user has to get access to a water source
required to initiate the chemical reaction, which may not be
possible in every situation, and even less likely in emergency
situations. Another disadvantage is that the oxygen flow rate is
irregular as the chemical reaction progressively consumes the
reacting chemicals.
[0006] Therefore, there is presently a need for an improved oxygen
generating system that is portable, can be simply and promptly
triggered to initiate the production of oxygen, and allows a timely
control to the production of oxygen so that it can be delivered
with a uniform flow rate for the user breathing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The application describes a portable oxygen generating
system and a method of using the same.
[0008] In one embodiment, a portable oxygen generating system
comprises a reaction chamber having at least a first storage
compartment for containing a first reacting substance and a second
storage compartment for containing a second reacting substance, a
dispensing mechanism operable to cause the first and second
reacting substances to contact with each other so as to create a
chemical reaction to produce an oxygen gas, and a gas outlet for
delivering the produced oxygen gas.
[0009] In one embodiment, the dispensing mechanism includes a
movable element operable to break an area of one of the first or
second storage compartment. In some embodiments, the movable
element is actuated via a spring element. In some embodiments, the
movable element includes a rotary rod with a cutting tip. In other
embodiments, the movable element includes a sliding punch end.
[0010] In some variant embodiments, the dispensing mechanism
comprises a movable plate operable to open one of the first or
second storage compartment. In some embodiments, the movable plate
is actuated via a spring element. In some variant embodiments, the
dispensing mechanism includes a switch button and is configured to
actuate upon the application of a force on the switch button for
releasing the second reacting substance from the second storage
compartment.
[0011] In some variations, the second storage compartment includes
a plurality of isolated partitions respectively containing doses of
the second reacting substance. In some implementations, the
dispensing mechanism is configured to sequentially open the
partitions. In other implementations, the dispensing mechanism
includes a timer configured to timely control the opening of the
partitions. In some embodiments, the oxygen generating system
comprises a filter system configured to filter the oxygen gas
produced in the reaction chamber.
[0012] In some embodiments, the oxygen generating system comprises
a buffer bag connected to the gas outlet, and a respiratory mask
connected to the buffer bag. In some variations, the buffer bag
includes a first buffer chamber connected with the gas outlet, a
second buffer chamber connected with the respiratory mask, and a
separator wall including at least a hole through which the first
buffer chamber communicates with the second buffer chamber. In some
variations, the buffer bag is connected to a carrying strap. In
other variations, the buffer bag is configured to accommodate the
reaction chamber therein.
[0013] The application also describes a method of using a portable
oxygen generating system. In one embodiment, the method comprises
providing an oxygen generating system having a switch, and
switching on the oxygen generating system to trigger a chemical
reaction to produce an oxygen gas. In some embodiments, the method
includes breathing the oxygen gas via a respiratory mask connected
to a buffer bag. In other embodiments, switching on the oxygen
generating system includes pushing on a switch button provided on
the oxygen generating system.
[0014] The foregoing is a summary and shall not be construed to
limit the scope of the claims. The operations and structures
disclosed herein may be implemented in a number of ways, and such
changes and modifications may be made without departing from this
invention and its broader aspects. Other aspects, inventive
features, and advantages of the invention, as defined solely by the
claims, are described in the non-limiting detailed description set
forth below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a portable oxygen generating
system according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B is a schematic view of a portable oxygen generating
system switched to initiate a chemical reaction for producing
oxygen according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 1C is a schematic view illustrating a gas flowing path
inside a portable oxygen generating system according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing mechanism
suitable for use with a portable oxygen generating system according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 2B is a top view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 2A;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing mechanism
suitable for use with a portable oxygen generating system according
to another embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 3B is a top view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 3A;
[0022] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing mechanism
suitable for use with a portable oxygen generating system according
to another variant embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 4B is a top view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 4A;
[0024] FIG. 5A is a schematic view of a portable oxygen generating
system according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 5B is a schematic view of a portable oxygen generating
system switched to initiate a chemical reaction for producing
oxygen according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 5C is a schematic view illustrating a gas flowing path
inside a portable oxygen generating system according to another
embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a portable oxygen generating
system used with a buffer bag according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a buffer bag suitable for use
with a portable oxygen generating system according to another
embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 8A is a schematic view of another buffer bag
implementation suitable for accommodating a portable oxygen
generating system according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 8B illustrates a buffer bag implementation with a
double-chamber structure suitable for use with a portable oxygen
generating system according to an embodiment of the invention;
and
[0031] FIG. 8C is a schematic view illustrating a gas flowing path
inside the buffer bag of FIG. 8B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Reference is made to FIGS. 1A through 1C to describe a
portable oxygen generating system according to an embodiment of the
invention. Reference numeral 100 generally designates the oxygen
generating system, which includes a reaction chamber 101 of an
approximately cylindrical shape. The reaction chamber 101 includes
a first storage compartment 102 and a second storage compartment
104 separated from each other. The first storage compartment 102
contains a first reacting substance 106, which can be water in the
present embodiment. The second storage compartment 104 contains
another reacting substance 108, which can be a peroxide powder
substance in the present embodiment.
[0033] A pipe 112 connects the reaction chamber 101 with a first
chamber 116 of a filter system 114, while a second chamber 118 of
the filter system 114 communicates with a supply outlet 120. The
first and second chambers 116 and 118 of the filter system 114 are
isolated and separated from each other via a filtration medium 119,
which can be water in one embodiment of the invention. The filter
system 114 filters and moisturizes an oxygen gas produced during a
chemical reaction between the first and second reacting substances
106 and 108 occurring inside the reaction chamber 101. The chemical
reaction for producing oxygen is initiated and controlled by
adequately putting the first and second reacting substances 106 and
108 in contact with each other through a dispensing mechanism
described below.
[0034] FIGS. 2A and 2B are enlarged views of a dispensing mechanism
configured to timely release the second reacting substance
contained in the second storage compartment 104 according to an
embodiment of the invention. The second storage compartment 104 has
an approximately annular shape, and is divided into isolated
partitions 110 respectively containing specific doses of the second
reacting substance. A bottom surface 109 of each partition 110 is
configured so as to selectively open and release a dose of the
second reacting substance into the reaction chamber.
[0035] In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2B, a rotary rod 132 having a
cutting tip rotates in a parallel plane to perforate and cut the
bottom surface 109, and thereby open each partition 110. Plastic
film or other adequate materials may be suitable for the bottom
surface 109 of each partition 110. In this embodiment, a spring
mechanism such as a mechanical timer 140 can be assembled to drive
the rotation of the rotary rod 132 via an axle 142. The mechanical
timer 140 can be configured to timely rotate the rod 132 a specific
angle to cut one or more partition 110 at each actuation of the rod
132. The doses of the second reacting substance in the partitions
110 thus can be timely delivered in controlled amounts so as to
produce oxygen with a uniform flow rate.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1C, a switch mechanism 150 is
provided to allow the user to mechanically trigger the dispensing
mechanism and initiate the chemical reaction to produce oxygen
according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated
construction, the switch mechanism 150 includes a pair of inner and
outer magnets 152 and 154 attracting each other at opposite sides
of a wall 158, and a locking beam 156 connected to the inner magnet
152. The outer magnet 154 may take the form of a button operable by
a user. The locking beam 156 is mounted so as to lock and prevent
any movement of the rotary arm 132 in an initial state.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1B, when the user slides down the outer
magnet 154, the inner magnet 152 accordingly slides downward to
disengage the locking beam 156. Subject to the action from the
programmed timer 140, the rotary rod 132 then performs the
controlled angular rotations as discussed above to sequentially cut
each partition 110 for timely releasing the second reacting
substance 108 into the reaction chamber 101. By a simple and short
switching action, the user thus can promptly initiate the chemical
reaction to produce oxygen.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1C, the oxygen gas produced by the
chemical reaction inside the reaction chamber 101 flows out through
the pipe 112, and is filtered and moisturized via the filtration
medium 119 before the gas is delivered for breathing through the
supply outlet 120.
[0039] Many variant embodiments may be implemented to form a timely
dispensing mechanism suitable for use with a portable oxygen
generating system according to the invention. FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A-4B
schematically illustrate two variant constructions of a timely
dispensing mechanism according to the invention.
[0040] In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the second storage compartment 204 is
divided into a plurality of isolated partitions 210 respectively
having an open bottom obturated via a rotary diaphragm 209. The
rotary diaphragm 209 has an opening recess 212 and is connected via
the axle 142 to the mechanical timer 140. The opening recess 212 is
sized so as to selectively open one or more partition 210 to
release the second reacting substance when the diaphragm 209
rotates. In an initial state, the opening recess 212 of the
diaphragm 209 may be positioned vis-a-vis an empty partition 210
with an edge of the recess 212 locked in abutment against the
locking beam (not shown), while the other partitions 210 are filled
with a reacting substance to be sequentially released once the
rotation of the diaphragm 209 is initiated.
[0041] In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the second storage compartment 304 is
divided into a plurality of isolated partitions 310 respectively
having a bottom flap 314 movable to open each partition 310. In one
embodiment, the bottom flaps 314 are exemplary made of a
resiliently deflectable material. A rotary plate 312 having an
opening recess 316 is connected via the axle 142 to the mechanical
timer 140, and is placed in abutment against the bottom flaps 314
to close the partitions 310. When the rotary plate 312 rotates, the
opening recess 316 creates a clearance that allows the resilient
deflection of one or more flap 314 to selectively open one or more
partition 310, and thereby release the contained reacting
substance.
[0042] FIGS. 5A through 5C are schematic views of a portable oxygen
generating system according to another embodiment of the invention.
Reference numeral 500 generally designates the oxygen generating
system, which includes a reaction chamber 501 of an approximately
cylindrical shape. The reaction chamber 501 includes two storage
compartments 502 and 504 separated from each other via an isolating
barrier 503. The first storage compartment 502 contains a first
reacting substance 506, and the second storage compartment 504
contains a second reacting substance 508. In one embodiment, the
first reacting substance 506 may be a peroxide powder substance,
and the second reacting substance 508 may be water. In one example
of construction, the first and second storage compartments 502 and
504 may have surface areas provided with threaded portions so as to
screw and mount with each other.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 5A through 5C, a pipe 512 connects the
reaction chamber 501 with a first chamber 516 of a filter system
514, while a second chamber 518 of the filter system 514
communicates with a supply outlet 520. The first and second
chambers 516 and 518 of the filter system 514 are isolated from
each other by a filtration medium 519, which can be water in one
embodiment of the invention.
[0044] The oxygen generating system 500 also includes sliding rod
534 that terminates in a punch plate 530 at one first end, and
connects with a push button 536 at an end opposite the punch plate
530. The punch plate 530 is provided with projecting tooth 532, and
the push button 536 protrudes outward to be operable by a user. In
an initial position, the punch plate 530 is located away from the
isolating barrier 503.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 5B, when the user pushes the button 536,
the exerted force accordingly causes the rod 534 to slide and urge
the punch plate 530 against the isolating barrier 503 and break the
barrier 503 so that the first and second storage compartments 502
and 504 communicate with each other. As a result, the first and
second reacting substances 506 and 508 contact with each other to
chemically react and produce an oxygen gas.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 5C, the oxygen gas produced by the
chemical reaction inside the reaction chamber 501 flows out through
the pipe 512, and is filtered and moisturized via the filtration
medium 519 before it is delivered for breathing through the supply
outlet 520.
[0047] The foregoing description illustrates various embodiments of
a portable oxygen generating system that includes a switching
mechanism allowing a user to trigger the chemical reaction to
produce oxygen. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the oxygen
gas produced from the portable oxygen generating system 600 then
may be supplied to the user via a buffer bag 630 and a respiratory
mask 640. One function of the buffer bag 630 is to bring the oxygen
gas delivered at an outlet 620 of the oxygen generating system 600
to a pressure suitable for a smooth breathing. Another function of
the buffer bag 630 is to mix the substantially pure oxygen gas
produced at the outlet 620 with other gaseous elements, which may
be an air gas mixture, so that the oxygen breathed at the user end
through the respiratory mask 640 is less concentrated to prevent
any overdose intoxication.
[0048] FIG. 7 and FIGS. 8A-8C are schematic views of possible
variant embodiments of a buffer bag implementation suitable for use
with a portable oxygen generating system according to the
invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the buffer bag 730 connects
via joints 732 with the outlet 620 of the oxygen generating system
600 and the respiratory mask 640, respectively. A strap 734 is
secured with the oxygen generating system 600 and the buffer bag
730 via buckles 736. Alternatively, the strap may be integrally
incorporated with an edge of the buffer bag (not shown). The user
can carry the oxygen generating system 600 with the strap 734 so
that less stress charges are applied to the joints 732.
[0049] In FIG. 8A, the buffer bag implementation 830 may have an
enveloping form with a cavity 832 that can accommodate the reaction
chamber of the oxygen generating system 600 inside. The buffer bag
830 connects between the oxygen generating system 600 and the
respiratory mask 640 via tubes 831. FIG. 8B illustrates a buffer
bag implementation with a double-chamber structure according to an
embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 8B, the buffer bag
830 may include an inner chamber 833 and an outer chamber 834
substantially isolated from each other via a wall 835 except at a
communicating hole 836 formed through the wall 835.
[0050] FIG. 8C illustrates the gas flowing path inside the buffer
bag of FIG. 8B. As shown, the oxygen gas produced from the oxygen
generating system flows in the inner chamber 833 of the buffer bag
830 via an inlet 837, travels through the communicating hole 836
into the outer chamber 834, and exits the buffer bag 830 via the
outlet 838 to be breathed at the respiratory mask 640. The
double-chamber structure of the buffer bag can advantageously
prevent the chemical liquid inside the reaction chamber from
flowing out to the respiratory mask.
[0051] It should be understood that the foregoing embodiments have
been described only for the purpose of illustration, and many
variations and modifications may be possible. For example, the
portable oxygen generating system according to the invention may be
used either with or without a buffer bag. Further, the portable
oxygen generating system may be implemented either in a disposable
form for a single use, or in a reusable form.
[0052] In a reusable implementation, one of the storage
compartments containing, for example, a peroxide powder substance
may be provided as a repairable and/or replaceable cartridge inside
the portable oxygen generating system. The user thus can reuse the
oxygen generating system by refilling clean water in the storage
compartment and replacing the consumed and empty cartridge with a
new one.
[0053] Realizations in accordance with the present invention
therefore have been described in the context of particular
embodiments. These embodiments are meant to be illustrative and not
limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and
improvements are possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be
provided for components described herein as a single instance.
Structures and functionality presented as discrete components in
the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined
structure or component. These and other variations, modifications,
additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the
invention as defined in the claims that follow.
* * * * *